ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Southern Command's Regional Technology node conducts workshop for Indian defence startups
The Army Regional Technology Node , Pune organised an online workshop to acquaint the startup industry with the Army's procurement process.
Keeping in line with the Indian Army's aim of Atma Nirbhar Defence, this interaction was focused on incorporating startups in the defence procurement chain, thereby widening the Army's equipment acquisition base.
Lt Gen JS Nain GOC-IN-C Southern Command opened the webinar and exhorted all industries to work relentlessly towards achieving the goal of indigenisation. It was followed by presentations by Army Design Bureau  giving out the organisation and procedures of the ADB and an overview of the RTN by its chairman . Representatives of industry , SIDM Start-up Forum and MICCA also addressed the participants.
To further support and strengthen the ‘Make in India’ endeavour the Regional Technology Node  was rolled out by Southern Command in November 2021. The launch event was a huge success involving active engagement between the Indian Army and representatives of more than 100 industries.
The workshop is seen as yet another major initiative by the Army to reach out to the Indian Defence manufactures and also act as a platform for engaging with Start-Ups.
Conduct of such workshops will encourage industries, MSMEs and Start-Ups to come forward and propose solutions for the Army modernization requirement under ‘Aatm Nirbhar Defence Campaign’.
The event was attended by more than 275 participants from the Defence Industry and the Army.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah dials Mizoram CM after earthquakes jolted the state
Shri Amit Shah assured all possible support from the Central Government
The Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah spoke with the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Mr. Zoramthanga and reviewed the situation after the earthquake tremors in the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone, Shri Amit Shah said, “I assured him all possible support from the Central Government.”
Mr. Zoramthanga thanked the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for their assurance of support.
Ministry of Defence
Recruitment of Officers
Selection of Officers continues under COVID protocols and has not been suspended for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. 47 recruitment rallies have been conducted by Army during recruitment year 2020-21. The IN has undertaken one batch recruitment of sailors in recruitment year 2020-21. The IAF has undertaken recruitment of airmen in recruitment year 2020-21.
Recruitment is undertaken based on the planned requirement of manpower for the Armed Forces. Some recruitment rallies were suspended temporarily due to COVID-19.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Rewati Raman Singh in Rajya Sabha today.
ABB/DK/Savvy
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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Production of Petrol and Diesel in the country is more than sufficient to take care of any demand surge
Sufficient supplies of Petrol and Diesel are being made available to cater to the extra demand
In the past few days, some areas have reported a big increase in instances of rush at the PSU Retail Outlets, leading to delays and increased waiting time for customers. This has, in turn, led to speculation of supply constraints by the Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies.
It is a fact that at specific locations in some states, there has been a significant increase in demand for Petrol and Diesel, with an increase being as high as 50% during the first half of June 2022 over corresponding period of last year. In particular, this has been noticed in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. These are States where large quantity of supply was being done by Retail Outlets belonging to Private Marketing Companies and where the distances from Supply locations i.e. Terminals and Depots are longer.
In general, the increase in demand has been on account of the Seasonal surge in demand due to agricultural activities, Bulk buyers having shifted their purchases to Retail outlets, and a substantial reduction in the sales by Private Marketing companies with their substantial volumes having shifted to PSU ROs. Simultaneously, as a result of a crackdown by the Government on illegal Bio-Diesel sales, these volumes have also been added to the RO Diesel sale.
The production of Petrol and Diesel in the country is more than sufficient to take care of any demand surge. This unprecedented growth has created some temporary logistics issues at the local level. Oil Companies have geared up to tackle these issues by Increasing the stocks at the Depots and terminals; Extra movement of Tank Trucks and lorries to serve the Retail Outlets; Extended working hours of Depots and Terminals including at night, to cater to the extra demand, and provision of extra quantities of fuels for supply in the affected States.
The Companies are ensuring that sufficient supplies of Petrol and Diesel are available to cater to this extra demand, and they are committed to fulfill the energy needs of the nation.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
All-India Consumer Price Index Numbers For Agricultural And Rural Labourers – June, 2022
The All-India Consumer Price Index Number for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers  for the month of June, 2022 increased by 6 points each to stand at 1125  and 1137  points respectively. The major contribution towards the rise in general index of Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers came from food group to the extent of 3.69 & 3.79 points respectively mainly due to increase in prices of rice, wheat-atta, jowar, maize, milk, meat-goat, fish fresh, poultry, chillies dry, mixed spices, vegetables & fruits, etc.
The rise in index varied from State to State. In case of Agricultural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 19 States while it remained stationary for Jammu & Kashmir State. Tamilnadu with 1299 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 884 points stood at the bottom.
In case of Rural Labourers, it recorded an increase of 1 to 10 points in 20 States. Tamilnadu with 1289 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with 935 points stood at the bottom.
Amongst states, the maximum increase in the Consumer Price Index Numbers for Agricultural Labourers was experienced by Kerala State and for Rural Labourers, it was experienced by Madhya Pradesh  mainly due to rise in the prices of jowar, topioca, fish fresh, chillies dry, vegetables & fruits, plastic shoes, etc.
Point to point rate of inflation based on the CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 6.43% & 6.76% in June, 2022 compared to 6.67% & 7.00% respectively in May, 2022 and 3.83% and 4.00% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, Food inflation stood at 5.09% & 5.16% in June, 2022 compared to 5.44% & 5.51% respectively in May, 2022 and 2.67% & 2.86% respectively during the corresponding month of the previous year.
All-India Consumer Price Index Number :
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Group
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|
Agricultural Labourers
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|
Rural Labourers
|
|
|
|
May, 2022
|
|
June, 2022
|
|
May, 2022
|
|
June, 2022
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General Index
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|
1119
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|
1125
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1131
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|
1137
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Food
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1046
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|
1052
|
|
1054
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|
1060
|
|
Pan, Supari, etc.
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|
1912
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1911
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1922
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|
1920
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|
Fuel & Light
|
|
1251
|
|
1261
|
|
1243
|
|
1254
|
|
Clothing, Bedding &Footwear
|
|
1174
|
|
1183
|
|
1209
|
|
1218
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|
Miscellaneous
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|
1185
|
|
1191
|
|
1189
|
|
1196
The CPI – AL and RL for the month of July, 2022 will be released on 18thAugust, 2022.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
ADOPTION OF ORPHANED, ABANDONED AND SURRENDERED CHILDREN
The Government has put in place a centralized online system called the Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System  for facilitating adoption of orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children under the Juvenile Justice  Act , 2015. The details of orphan children registered in the CARINGS portal over the last three years, State-wise is at Annexure-I.
Adoptions in the country are undertaken through the Juvenile Justice  Act , 2015 and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956. The Ministry of Women and Child Development administers adoptions of orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children under the JJ Act, 2015. As per CARINGS, the number of orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children who have been adopted over the last three years , is as under:
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Year
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Male
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Female
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Total
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Normal
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Special Need
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Normal
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Special Need
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2019-2020
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1398
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57
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1936
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110
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3501
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2020-2021
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|
1258
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|
109
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|
1795
|
|
133
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3295
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|
2021-2022
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|
1216
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|
136
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|
1617
|
|
206
|
|
3175
The waiting period for Prospective Adoptive Parents  depends upon the availability of children for adoption from among the total orphaned, abandoned and surrendered children, and the preference of child by the PAPs.
As per the mandate of the Juvenile Justice  Act, 2015 it is mandatory for every Child Care Institution  housing children in need of care and protection to be registered under the Juvenile Justice  Act, 2015. The CCIs are linked with the Specialised Adoption Agencies  for reporting the children declared legally free for adoption. As per CARINGS, details of linkages of CCIs with SAAs are at Annexure-II.
Further, the State-wise details of Child Care Institutions  registered under the Juvenile Justice  Act, 2015  is at Annexure-III.
As per the Crime in India Report of the year 2018, 2019 and 2020 published by the National Crime Records Bureau , State-wise details of cases of human trafficking of children, i.e., a person below the age of 18 years is at Annexure-IV.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Banking Institute & Learning Centre of Excellence for Holistic Aspiration of Mothers  funded by Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India
BILCHAM was established on 25th October 2006 under the Societies Registration Act 1983 as an Apex Federation at the District Level under West Garo Hills CommunityResource Management Society/NERCORMP, funded by IFAD, DONER/NEC & Govt of India for the sustainability of the rural community.
BILCHAM is now a strong women independent organization catering to the livelihood and credit for the poorest of the poor who were earlier devoid of all these facilities. BILCHAM gives services to the entire West Garo Hills and some parts of East and South Garo Hills independently through the SHG Federations who are also the members of the Board responsible for scrutinizing, sanctioning and recovery of the loans.
With the passing of time, the popularity and recognition of this institute has gained tremendous confidence among the rural poor due to easy access of credit and a feeling of ownership resulting in positive response from all quarters.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Secretary asks Central and state government officials to be better prepared to minimize losses due to natural disasters
Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba has asked all concerned officials of Central and State governments to be better prepared so as to minimize losses due to natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes etc. In his inaugural address at the annual conference of relief commissioners/secretaries, he said we have to build our capacities through better weather forecast, conducting mock drills and improved resource management. Citing figures, he said on an average during the decade from 2005 -14, India suffered economic losses of approximately Rs. 60,000 crore per annum due to different kinds of natural disasters of which the maximum damage was caused by floods.
Shri Gauba said India is flood prone as bulk of precipitation takes place in a short time but we can reduce our losses through better preparation. Though continued efforts over the last several years have managed to reduce the impact of natural disasters, still there is room for improvement, he added. He hoped that the deliberations at the conference would help in sharing experiences, improving coordination etc. While assuring the States that Home Ministry’s assistance would continue, Shri Gauba urged them to build their own capacities and gradually reduce dependence on the Centre. He also emphasised the importance of building capacities at the city and district levels and involving communities.
In his address, Shri R. K. Jain, Member, National Disaster Management Authority , said that the Centre and the States should continue their coordinated efforts to minimise losses due to floods and cyclones. He said, deaths due to heat waves which were about 2200 in the year 2015 scaled down to about 220 in 2017 primarily due to the ground work done on dissemination of information, better awareness etc.
Director General, National Disaster Response Force , Shri Sanjay Kumar said last year more than 35 NDRF teams were airlifted for rescue operations in flood-hit areas and they rescued more than 3000 people and evacuated more than one lakh people. He said, twelve battalions of NDRF are stationed all over the country for quick deployment in times of emergency.
The one-day conference was attended by relief commissioners of State governments and Union Territories and officials of IMD, Geological Survey of India, Defence Ministry and Central Water Commission.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President’s Visit to Kolkata from Tomorrow
Kolkata, June 27, 2018
Hon’ble Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu is scheduled to reach Kolkata on a two-day visit tomorrow.
On Thursday afternoon, Shri Naidu will first visit Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics and interact with scientists. Later, the Vice President will receive books and meet guests at Raj Bhawan.
On June 29, 2018, the Vice President will be present as the Chief Guest at the 12th Statistical Day and closing ceremony of 125th birth anniversary of Prof. P. C. Mahalanobis in the morning. This programme will be held at Indian Statistical Institute. In the afternoon, he will leave the city for New Delhi.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
To evaluate the implementation of NFSA and TPDS operations in the country, Centre released first State Ranking Index
The Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ms. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today shared that to evaluate the implementation of the National Food Security Act, 2013  and Targeted Public Distribution System  operations across the states and Union Territories, the Government has released first ever State Ranking Index for the NFSA on 5th of July, 2022.
The Index rests upon three pillars that consider various facets of food security and nutrition. Each pillar has parameters and sub-parameters that support this evaluation. The first pillar measures coverage of NFSA, rightful targeting, and implementation of all provisions under NFSA. The second pillar analyses the delivery platform while considering the allocation of food grains, their movement, and last-mile delivery to Fair Price Shops. The third pillar focuses on nutrition initiatives of the department.
Rajasthan has got 18th Rank in the Index with score of 0.694.
Odisha has got the first rank in the State Ranking Index with the score of 0.836.
The State Ranking Index aims to create an environment of competition, cooperation, and learning among states, promote transparency, and publish verified data in the public domain for research and analysis. At present, no proposal to implement the food and nutrition mode of top-ranked States at the national level is under consideration of the Government. States/UT Governments are free to adopt best practices from better performing States/UTs under the overall architecture of NFSA.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Secretary reviewed the steps taken by State Governments for checking the spread of COVID-19 in Hill Stations and Tourist locations
Union Home Secretary chaired a meeting here today to review the steps taken by State Governments for checking the spread of COVID-19 in Hill Stations and Tourist locations.
During the meeting, the overall management of COVID-19 situation and the vaccination status in respect of the States of Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal was discussed. Union Home Secretary sounded a note of caution in view of media reports showing blatant disregard of COVID-appropriate behaviour in hill stations and other tourist locations. He emphasised that the second wave of COVID was not yet over; and States should ensure strict adherence to the protocols prescribed in respect of wearing of masks, social distancing and other safe behaviour.
It was observed that the decline of the second wave is at variable stages in the different States/UTs in the country, and that while the overall case positivity rate may be declining, the case positivity rate in certain districts of Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh is over 10%, which is a cause for concern. States were also asked to follow the five-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and COVID Appropriate Behaviour, as has been laid out in MHA order dated 29thJune, 2021. Adequate health infrastructure preparedness  was also advised, with a view to tackle any potential future surge in cases.
The meeting was attended by Dr. V.K. Paul, Member , NITI Aayog; Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI; Director General, Indian Council for Medical Research; and Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police and Principal Secretaries  of the eight States.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh addressing an “online” convocation of IIPA amid lockdown today.
A history of sorts was made today when Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh addressed an “online” Convocation amid lockdown as chief guest, when the Indian Institute of Public Administration  concluded its 45th Advanced Professional Programme in Public Administration , attended by 45 senior Group ‘A’ officers from the All India and Central Services as well as senior Officers from all wings of the Armed Forces.
The ceremony through video conference was attended, among others, by Director IIPA SurendraNathTripathi, Union Secretary DoPT C Chandramouli, Registrar IIPA AmitabhRanjan, faculty of IIPA as well as all the scholars who had successfully completed their academic course.
Dr Jitendra Singh lauded the IIPA for completing on time all the requirements of the academic programme despite the constraints of lockdown and improvising different methods to meet the deadlines and timelines, which included the “online” conduct of viva voce by the candidates.
Congratulating the IIPA for its capacity building efforts, Dr Jitendra Singh commended the institution for reorienting itself to the demands of changing times. A living and vibrating entity, he said, keeps continuously reinventing and revisiting its current ways in order to innovate, improvise and improve.
The Minister congratulated the efforts of IIPA in the COVID pandemic followed by lockdown situation and said, this is one such occasion when IIPA has lived up to its avowed objective in a very distinguished manner. He called upon the IIPA to continue developing new models, which could be emulated by the rest of the country.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that COVID had once again vindicated the resolve of the present Government for minimum government and maximum governance. While the effective handling of COVID by India has made it a frontline country in the community of world nations, it has also reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a world leader of top order.
Dr Jitendra Singh urged upon the IIPA to continue with its efforts and said COVID 19 offered an opportunity to learn and develop new models which could also be emulated by others. This is an opportunity to make virtue out of adversity, he said.
The convocation ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Programme Co-Director Dr.Neetu Jain.
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VG/SNC
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PIB Headquarters
INDIAN RAILWAYS INITITIATIVES IN STRENGTHENING INFRASTRUCTURE
Indian Railways is on the threshold of change in a big way. In view of the forthcoming Railway Week celebrations marking the first entry of Railways into the country, Indian Railways achievements in Infrastructure creation during the year 2016-17 is listed below:-
(2855 kms of new lines, gauge conversion and doubling has been commissioned by Indian Railways. Out of 2855 kms, 953 are new lines. This is the highest ever during a year. A significant feature is that the entire metre guage has been converted to Broad Gauge in the North East region.
2013 kms of electrification has been done . This again is the highest ever achieved by Indian railways in a year. Electrification helps Railways to serve as an energy efficient, ecofriendly mode of transport.
Considering Safety of Safety of Road Users at Level crossings, 1503 unmanned level crossings have been eliminated during the year by Indian Railways. This is the highest ever. Also, 1306 ROB and subways completed. Also, 484 manned level crossings have been eliminated.
Considering the infrastructure development, 750 bridges have also been rehabilitated.
Focussing on the creation of infrastructure for Freight handling, 45 freight terminals have been commissioned, against the average of 27.
In a bid to increase the haulage and passenger capacity on various routes, a record 658 locomotives against last year’s production of 621 locomotives, and 4280 passenger coaches were manufactured this year in Indian Railways. This is the highest ever. During Last year it was 3978.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
APEDA & GAIC organize Exporters’ Conclave in Gujarat as part of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav
Gandhinagar / Mumbai, March 13
As part of the nationwide celebration of 75 years of India’s independence or ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  organized an Exporters Conclave in association with Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited .
Discussions were held on export potential of Gujarat and the financial assistance scheme of APEDA and the state government.
The conclave was inaugurated by Shri K.S. Randhawa, Managing Director, GAIC. Shri R Ravindra, Regional Head & Deputy General Manager, APEDA elaborated on role of APEDA in promoting agri-exports from India.
A technical session was also organized during the Conclave.
Shri Abhay Jain, Additional General Manager explained about the schemes initiated by GAIC for promoting agro industries in Gujarat. Shri Prashant Waghmare, Assistant General Manager, APEDA made a detailed presentation on APEDA’s Financial Assistance Schemes and initiatives taken by the authority to promote agri-exports.
After the technical session, an interactive session was organized for exporters for discussing various issues relating to promotion of agri-exports from Gujarat.
Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav is being held from 75 weeks prior to Independence Day 2022 and would continue till Independence Day 2023. The event has been kicked off with a 25-day celebration, beginning 12th March, 2021  with the launch of opening ceremony by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in Gujarat and concluding on 5th April, 2021 . The Mahotsav will be celebrated as a peoples’ movement across the country. APEDA is planning a series of activities during the period of Mahotsav in different parts of the country.